Inboard motor boat



1961 LE ROY B. SANDERS 3,

INBOARD MOTOR BOAT Filed May 9, 1960 2 Sheets-Sheet l IN V EN TOR.

b'gar I; $210129 United States Patent 3,010,423 INBOARD MOTOR BOAT LeRoy B. Sanders, Palmyra, Pa. (Box 555, Lebanon, Pa.) Filed May 9, 1960,Ser. No. 27,694 9 Claims. (Cl. 11535) This invention relates to inboardmotor boats, and particularly to the instrumentalities through whichthey are driven and steered.

As is well-known, inboard motor boats utilizing the conventionalpropeller and drive-shaft possess numerous, and serious, disadvantages.Primarily, they lack safety, due to poor control. The control-andconsequently the maneuverabilityof boats of this type is relatively poorin general, but is extremely poor when reversing the boat, or trying todock it across running tides or cross winds. In reverse, the jet streamis forced in a forward direction against the bottom of the boat,defeating, to an appreciable degree the attempt to move the boatrearwardly.

In addition, conventional inboard motor boats are easily damaged. Boththeir steering and propulsion mechanisms can be, and frequently are,ruined by going aground or by striking submerged objects, thuscompletely incapacitating the boat.

Leakage in inboard motor boats is common, due to loosening of bolts,etc., from the vibration of the drive shaft.

It is among the objects of the present invention to provide a novel andimproved inboard motor boat which will not only eliminate all of thecharacteristic disadvantages of inboard motor boats set forthhereinbefore, but which provides other advantages as will be describedhereinafter.

Another object is the attainment of the immediate foregoing in a mannerwhich is both simple and inexpensive.

More especially, the present invention makes completely unnecessary anumber of troublesome and expensive parts that make up the conventionalequipment in present day usage to propel and to maneuver inboard boats,

(1) That portion of the drive shaft which is disposed underneath theboat, together with the bushing and stufiing box which are supported bya large and shaped brass housing and base plate, with its twenty or morebrass screws and packing, required by the shaft as it passes diagonallythrough the keelpiece;

(2) The strut which supports the lower portion of the shaft andpropeller, and the through-the-hull and keel bolts attaching it to thehull. Frequently, leakage occurs at this point due to vibration of theshaft;

(3) The strut bushing which also is a major source of trouble, whethercomposed of brass, fibre or rubber. No lubrication of this bushing,other than water, is practical, so any sand or dirt getting into itquickly causes wear, thus necessitating the installation of a newbushing. On a sand bar, this bushing can be ruined by sand in a matterof but a few minutes;

(4) The strut skeg;

(5) The rudder and rudder shaft, with their throughhull fittings andbolts or screws; and

(6) The stuffing box and the bolts or screws holding it, which isanother area that requires frequent checking for leaks, etc.

It is manifest that repairs to all of the aforementioned parts requireeither drydocking, raising the craft, or diving underneath.

The present invention seeks to replace the aforementioned submergedpropulsion and control items of conventional design with a combinationof elements which are assembled as a unit, all of which may, by a singleoperator alone and with but a few simple tools, be quickly 3,010,423Patented Nov. 28, 1961 Fee and easily repaired from wholly within theboat and above water level.

Briefly stated, the present invention contemplates the provision of aunit composed of a pair of box-like elements in substantially closetelescopic disposition, the outer element being almost, but not quite,bottomless with its lower end stationarily secured to the bottom of thehull, and in substantially flush relationship therewith. The inner (andremovable) box-like element is provided with a closed bottom which isclosed except for an apertured through which the propulsion and controlelements extend, the same being rotatable from above, and preferablytake the form of the lower end of the lower leg of a conventional(rudderless) outboard motor unit.

A boat constructed in accordance with the teachings of the presentinvention, as briefly described hereinbefore, may be not only repairedin the manner described hereinbefore, but so maneuvered as to permit theboat to be docked across running tides or cross winds. Also, steering iscompletely controllable so that the boat may be readily turned in acomplete circle and/or the angular position of the propeller changed toto permit reversing the boat without reversing the drive-shaft. It will,of course, be understood that a reasonable amount of care must beexercised in order to avoid the possibility of overturning the boat atrelatively high propeller speeds.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, the invention,then, consists of the means hereinafter fully described and particularlypointed out in the claims, the annexed drawings and the followingdescription setting forth in detail certain means for carrying out theinvention, such disclosed means illustrating, however, but several ofvarious ways in which the principle of the invention may be used.

In the annexed drawings:

FIGURE 1 is a side elevational view of a boat which embodies theteachings of the present invention;

FIGURE 2 is a plan or top view.

FIGURE 3 is an enlarged fragmentary elevational view, partly in section,and taken on the line 33 of FIGURE 2; and

FIGURE 4 is a sectional view taken on the line 4-4 of FIGURE 3.

Referring more particularly to the drawings, the numeral 2 generallydesignates the outer box-like element or housing of the apparatus of thepresent invention. This outer housing or well 2 is constructed ofsuitable material, such, for example, as non-corrosive metal (i.e.,bronze, etc.), marine plywood, etc., and may be of any desired shape,rectangular in most cases being preferable, not only because of ease ofmanufacture, but also from the standpoint of having it becoming a partof, and lending additional strength to, the bottom of the hull of theboat.

The size of the outer housing or well 2 (and, accordingly, that of thetelescopically disposed inner housing) may, of course, considerablyvary, depending upon the size of the boat, etc. However, it may bestated that, for a small boat of 20 to 30 feet in length, the outerrectangular housing may acceptably be approximately 16 inches long,approximately 14 inches wide and approximately 10 inches deep.

The outer surface of the outer housing 2 is shown as provided with aright-angularly extending peripheral flange 4 which is disposed adjacentto, but spaced u-pwardly from, its bottom and which is stationarilysecured to the inner surface of the bottom of the hull 6 of the boat andclosely adjacent the stern thereof. While keelpiece lag bolts or woodscrews maybe utilized for this purpose, riveting and/ or welding, etc.,will probably prove preferable when both the hull 6 and the flange 4 arecomposed of compatible materials.

The present invention also contemplates, wherever necessary ordesirable, gasketing between the hull and the outer housing 2 and/ orthe use of suitable caulking compounds. 7

Referring to FIGURE 3, the outer housing 2 is provided with a bottomportion 8 having an opening 10 therein. The said bottom portion 8maysimply comprise a right-angular flange extending inwardly from thelower end of each of the walls of the housing with the adjacent ends ofthe flanges connected together, if

desired. On the other hand, the bottom portion 8' of the outer housing 2may take the form of a floor having therein an aperture of substantialsize. 3

' However, it is essential to the teachings of the present inventionthat the opening 10 in the bottom 8 of the outer housing 2 be of suchsize and shape as to permit passage therethrough of the lower portionsof the steering column, drive shaft and propeller'mechanism of the boat.

The inner housing of the apparatus of the present invention-is generallyindicated at '12 and, as before stated, it is of such size and shape aswill permit it to assume relatively close telescopic relationship withinthe outer housing 2 with its lower end resting on the upper surface ofthe'bottom of the latter.

As shown in FIGURE 4, the inner housing 12 has a e floor or bottom 14provided with an aperture '16 which preferably is much smaller in areathan the opening 10 in the bottom of the outer housing 2, but whichcommunicates therewith. To the underside of the floor or bottom 14 ofthe inner housing 12 there is secured a reinforcing plate 15 which hasapproximately the same configuration as the aforementioned opening 10 inthe outer housing 2, thereby providing a smooth and uninterruptedunderside.

The top of the inner housing 12 carries a peripheral flange 18 whichextends outwardly at right-angles and a similar flange 20 is carried bythe outer housing 2 at a position which is therebelow.

-It will be observed that the flanges 4 and 20 (carried by the outerhousing 2) and the flange 18 (carried by the inner housing 12) are allshown in the drawings as comprising simple angle-irons which are securedin their respective positions by welds X, which very materiallystrengthens the units to which they are attached.

It will also be noted that the angle-iron which forms the peripheralflange 18 at the top of the inner housing '12 has, its depending legportion disposed within the latter, thus providing an uninterruptedouter. surface which telescopes closely within the outer housing 2.

The outwardly extending flanges 18 and 20 are provided with bores whichalign with one another, and through which there extend suitableinterconnecting fastening instrumentalities, such as machine screws 21and nuts 22, the latter. of which may, if desired, be

welded to the bottoms of the flange 20 to facilitate quick detachmentand reassembly.

.According to the foregoing construction and arrangement, the innerhousing 12 may be forcibly drawn down into the outer housing 2; and acompressible gasket 25 of suitable material is disposed between theirrespective bottoms.

The numeral designates a vertically disposed tubular housing whose lowerend is secured to the bottom 14 of the inner housing 12 and whichcommunicates with the aperture 16 through a suitable water-tight bearing32.

A drive shaft 46 is concentrically disposed in the tubular steeringcolumn'36 and is operatively connected in conventional manner (i.e.,through bevel gears, wormand-worm gear, etc.) to the propeller shaft 42.

Thus, it will be seen that both the driving of'the propeller 44 and therotative adjustment of the steering column 36 by which the propeller iscarried are controllable either from within or through the intermediaryof the interior of the inner housing 12.

In the event it is desired to steer the boat from a point which isrelatively remote from the inner housing 12, one of its side walls andthe immediately adjacent portion of the side wall of the outer housing 2are intercommunicatingly apertured, as at 48, to permit the passagetherethrough of any conventional control media which may be operativelyconnected with the tubular steering column 36. For example, the tubularsteering column 36 may, as shown in FIGURES 3 and 4, be provided with aling gear which meshes with a pinion secured to a shaft 49, the latterprojecting through the said apertures 48 and carrying a (steering) ropepulley, etc.

Correspondingly, intercommunicating apertures 50 may be provided in thewalls of the inner and outer housings for the passage therethrough of apower drive shaft 52 which is operatively connected to the drive shaft46, as by means of a'bevel gear arrangement within a gear box 53 whichis mounted atop the vertically disposed tubular housing 30. The forwardend of the drive shaft 52 is shown as connected to a marine engine 54which may, if desired, be disposed amidship.

From the foregoing, it will be perceived that the apparatus of thepresent invention provides greater safety in the handling andmaneuverability of a boat upon which it is installed through (1) Theability of the operator to swing the propellers axis of rotation throughacomplete circle or at least through a wide arc; and

(2) The elimination of a rudder.

Additional safety while afloat is provided by the ability of theoperator of the boat to quickly and easily detach and remove the innerhousing 12 and all of the aforementioned instrumentalities which areconnected therewith simply by unscrewing the'machine screws 21 anddisconnecting the elements which operate the tubular steering column 36and the drive shaft 46; thereby enabling the repair or replacement ofany part of the propelling and steering mechanisms from wholly withinthe boat and above water level.

This is particularly important in the case of comparatively small boatswhich are frequently operated by persons whose strength isquite limited.

While I have shown and described certain specific embodiments of thepresent invention, it will be readily understood by those skilled'in theart that I do not wish to be limited exactly thereto, since variousmodifications 7 'may be made without departing from the scope of the in-A- tubular steering column 36 is disposed concentrically in, and extendsdownwardly through, the tubular.

'The lower end of' the tubular steering column 36 carries a housing 40'which rotatably supports a rightangularly extending propeller shaft 42having a propeller 44 secured to its outer end.

vention as defined in the appended claims.

Iclaim:

,1. An inboard marine vessel comprising an outer housing secured to, andextending upwardly from, the bot- .tom of the hull of the vessel andhaving a bottom open ing which communicates with the waterj'the bottomof said outer housing being substantially flush with the bottom'of thehull of the vesselfan inner housing closely conforming in size andcross-section to said outer. housing and disposed telescopicallytherein; said inner housing having a bottom opening which communicateswith the bottom opening in said outer housing; cooperative and alignedflange. members extending right-angularly from the upper ends of saidinner and outer housings; fasten ing means extending between saidcooperative and aligned flange members for forcing said inner housingfirmly downwardly into said outer housing; a substantially verticallyextending tube secured to the bottom of said inner housing andcommunicating with the bottom opening therein; a tubular steering columnrotatably disposed in said first-named tube and extending downwardlythrough, and projecting from, the bottom openings in both of saidhousings; a drive shaft rotatably disposed in said tubular steeringcolumn; a propeller shaft housing carried by, and extending angularlyfrom, the lower end of said tubular steering column; a propeller shaftin said propeller shaft housing; a propeller secured to the outer end ofsaid propeller shaft; a driving connection between the inner end of saidpropeller shaft and the lower end of said drive shaft; the bottomopening in said outer housing being of sufficient size and shape topermit the vertical passage therethrough of said tubular steeringcolumn, said propeller shaft housing, and said propeller; a prime moveroperatively connected to said drive shaft; and control means for saidtubular steering column.

2. An inboard marine vessel comprising an outer housing secured to, andextending upwardly from, the bottom of the hull of the vessel and havinga bottom opening which communicates with the water; the bottom of saidouter housing being substantially flush with the bottom of the hull ofthe vessel; an inner housing closely conforming in size andcross-section to said outer housing and disposed telescopically therein;said inner housing having a bottom opening which communicates with thebottom opening in said outer housing; cooperative and aligned flangemembers extending right-angularly from the upper ends of said inner andouter housings; fastening means extending between said cooperative andaligned flange members for forcing said inner housing firmly downwardlyinto said outer housing; means for forming a water seal between saidinner and outer housings; a substantially vertically extending tubesecured to the bottom of said inner housing and communicating with thebottom opening therein; a tubular steering column rotatably disposed insaid first-named tube and extending downwardly through, and projectingfrom, the bottom openings in both of said housings; a drive shaftrotatably disposed in said tubular steering column; a propeller shafthousing carried by, and extending angularly from, the lower end of saidtubular steering column; a propeller shaft in said propeller shafthousing; a propeller secured to the outer end of said propeller shaft; adriving connection between the inner end of said propeller shaft and thelower end of said drive shaft; the bottom opening in said outer housingbeing of suflicient size and shape to permit the vertical passagetherethrough of said tubular steering column, said propeller shafthousing, and said propeller; a prime mover operatively connected to saiddrive shaft; and control means for said tubular steering column.

3. An inboard marine vessel comprising an outer housing secured to, andextending upwardly from, the bottom of the hull of the vessel and havinga bottom opening which communicates with the water; the bottom of saidouter housing being substantially flush with the bottom of the hull ofthe vessel; an inner housing closely conforming in size andcross-section to said outer housing and disposed telescopically therein;said inner housing having a bottom opening which communicates with thebottom opening in said outer housing; an inwardly extending flange onthe interior of said outer housing and adjacent the bottom thereof; agasket between said flange and the bottom of said inner housingcooperative and aligned flange members extending right-angularly fromthe upper ends of said inner and outer housings; fastening meansextending between said cooperative and aligned fiangemembers for forcingsaid inner housing firmly downwardly into said outer housing; asubstantially vertically extending tube secured to the bottom of saidinner housing and communicating with the bottom opening in saidfirst-named tube and extending downwardly through, and projecting from,the bottom openings in both of said housings; a drive shaft rotatablydisposed in said tubular steering column; a propeller shaft housingcarried by, and extending 'angularly from, the lower end of said tubularsteering column; a propeller shaft in said propeller shaft housing; apropeller secured to the outer end of said propeller shaft; a drivingconnection between the inner end of said propeller shaft and the lowerend of said drive shaft; the bottom opening in said outer housing beingof suflicient size and shape to permit the vertical passage therethroughof said tubular steering column, said propeller shaft housing, and saidpropeller; a prime mover operatively connected to said drive shaft, andcontrol means for said tubular steering column.

4. An inboard marine vessel comprising an outer housing secured to, andextending upwardly from, the bottom of the hull of the vessel and havinga bottom opening which communicates with the water; the bottom of saidouter housing being substantially flush with the bottom of the hull ofthe vessel; an inner housing closely conforming in size andcross-section to said outer housing and disposed telescopically therein;said inner housing having a bottom opening which communicates with thebottom opening in said outer housing; an inwardly extending flange onthe interior of said outer housing and adjacent the bottom thereof; agasket between said flange and the bottom of said inner housingcooperative and aligned flange members extending right-angularly fromthe upper ends of said inner and outer housings; fastening meansextending between said cooperative and aligned flange members forforcing said inner housing firmly downwardly into said outer housing; asubstantially vertically extending tube secured to the bottom of saidinner housing and communicating with-the bottom opening therein; atubular steering column rotatably disposed in said first-named tube andextending downwardly through, and projecting from, the bottom openingsin both of said housings; a drive shaft rotatably disposed in saidtubular steering column; a propeller shaft housing carried by, andextending angularly from, the lower end of said tubular steering column;a propeller shaft in said propeller shaft housing; a propeller securedto the outer end of said propeller shaft; a driving connection betweenthe inner end of said propeller shaft and the lower end of said driveshaft; the bottom opening in said outer housing being of sufficient sizeand shape to permit the vertical passage therethrough of said tubularsteering column, said propeller shaft housing, and said propeller; aprime mover operatively connected to said drive shaft, control means forsaid tubular steering column; and means for forcing said inner housingdownwardly toward the inwardly extending flange on the interior of saidouter housing.

5. An inboard marine vessel comprising an outer rectangular housingsecured to, and extending upwardly from, the bottom of the hull of thevessel and having a bottom opening which communicates with the water;the bottom of said outer housing being substantially flush with thebottom of the hull of the vessel; an inner rectangular housing slightlysmaller than, and disposed telescopically in, said outer rectangularhousing; said inner housing having a bottom opening which communicateswith the bottom opening in said outer housing; cooperative and alignedflange members extending rightangularly from the upper ends of saidinner and outer housings; fastening means extending between saidcooperative and aligned flange members for forcing said inner housingfirmly downwardly into said outer housing; a substantially verticallyextending tube secured to the bottom of said inner housing andcommunicating with the bottom opening therein; a tubular steering columnrotatably disposed in said first-named tube and extending downwardlythrough, and projecting from, the bottom openings in both of saidhousings; a drive shaft rotatably disposed in said tubular steeringcolumn, a pro- 7 peller shaft housing carried by, and extendingangularly from, the lower end of said tubular steering column; apropeller shaft in said propeller shaft housing; a propeller Secured tothe outer end of said propeller shaft; a driving connection between theinner end of said propeller shaft and the lower end of said drive shaft;the bottom opening in said outer housing being of sufficient size andshape to permit the vertical passage therethrough of said tubularsteering column, said propeller shaft housing, and said propeller; aprime mover operatively connected to said drive shaft; and control meansfor said tubular steering column.

tflush with the bottom of the hull of the vessel; an inner rectangularhousing slightly smaller than, and disposed telescopically in, saidouter rectangular housing; said inner housing having a bottom openingwhich communicates with the bottomtopening in said outer housing; aninwardly extending flange on the interior of said outer housing andadjacent the bottom thereof;'a gasket between said flange and the bottomof said inner housing cooperative and aligned flange members extendingrightangularly from the upper ends of said inner and outer housings;fastening means extending between said cooperative and aligned flangemembers for forcing said inner housing firmly downwardly into said outerhousing; a substantially vertically extending tube secured to the'bottomof said inner housing and communicating with the bottom opening therein;a tubular steering column rotatably disposed in said first-named tubeand extending downwardly through, and projecting from, the bottomOpenings in both of said housings a drive shaft rotatably disposed insaid tubular steering column; a propeller shaft housing carried by, andextending angularly from, the lower end of said tubular steering column;a propeller shaft in said propeller shaft housing; a propeller securedto the outer end of said propeller shaft;

a driving connection between the inner end of said propeller shaft andthe lower end of said drive shaft; the bottom opening in said outerhousing being of suflicient size and shape to permit the verticalpassage therethrough of said tubular steering column, said propellershaft housing; and said propeller; a prime mover operati ely con nectedto said drive shaft; and control neans for said tubular steering column.V 7. An inboard marine vessel comprising an outer rectangular housingsecured to, and extending upwardly from, the bottom'of the hull of thevessel and having a bottom opening which communicates with the water;

the bottom of said outer housing being substantially flush with thebottom of the hull of the vessel; an inner rectangular housing slightlysmaller than, and disposed telescopically in, said outerrectangular-housing; said inner housing having a bottom opening whichcommunicates with the bottom opening in said outer housing; an inwardlyextending flange on the interior of said outer housing and adjacent thebottom thereof; a gasket between said flange and the bottom of saidinner-housing cooperative andaligned flange members extendingrightangularly from the upper .ends of said inner and outer housings;fastening means extending between said coop erative and aligned flangemembers for forcing said inner housing firmlydownwardiy into said outerhousing; a

substantially vertically extending tube secured to the bottom of saidinner housing and communicating with the bottom opening therein; atubular steering column r rotatably disposed in said first-named tubeand extending downwardly through, and projecting from, the bottomopenings in both of said housings; a-drive shaft rotatably disposed insaid tubular steering column; a

propeller shaft housing carried by, and extending anguilarly from, thelowerend of said tubular steering column; a propeller shaft in saidpropeller shaft housing; a propeller secured to the outer end of saidpropeller shaft; a driving connection between the inner end of saidpropeller shaft and the lower end of said drive shaft; the bottomopening in said outer housing being of sufficient size and shape topermit the vertical passage therethrough of said tubular steeringcolumn, said propeller shaft housing, and said propeller; a prime moveroperatively connected to said drive shaft; control means for saidtubular steering column; and means for forcing said inner housingdownwardly toward the inwardly extending flange on the interior of saidouter housing.

8. An inboard marine vessel comprising an outer housing secured to, andextending upwardly from, the bottom of the hull of the vessel and havinga bottom opening which communicates with the water; the bot-torn of saidouter housing being substantially flush with the bottom of the hull ofthe vessel; an inner housing disposed telescopically in, and adapted forremoval from, said outer housing; said inner housing having a bottomopening which communicates with the bottom opening in said outerhousing; cooperative and aligned flange members extendingright-angularly from the upper ends of said inner and outer housings;fastening means extending between said cooperative and aligned flangemembers for forcing said inner housing firmly downwardly into said outerhousing; a substantially vertically ex.- tending tube secured to thebottom of said inner housing and communicating with the bottom openingtherein; a tubular steering column rotatably disposed in saidfirst-named tube and extending downwardly through,

and projecting from, the bottom openings of both of said housings; adrive shaft rotatably disposed in said tubular' steering column; apropeller shaft housing carried by, and extending'angularly from, thelower end of said tubular steering column; a propeller shaft in saidpropeller shaft housing; a; propeller secured to theouter end of saidpropeller shaft; a driving connection between the inner end of saidpropeller shaft and the lower end of said drive shaft; the bottomopening in said outer housing being of suflicient size and shape topermit the vertical passage therethrough of said tubular steeringcolumn, said propeller shaft housing, and said propeller; a prime moveroperatively connected to said drive shaft; and control means for saidtubular steering column.

9. An inboard marine vessel comprising an outer housing secured to, andextending upwardly from, the bottom ofthe hull of the vessel and havinga bottom opening which communicates with the water; the bottom of saidouter housing being substantially flush with the bottom' of the hull ofthe vessel; an inner housing disposed telescopically in, and adapted forremoval from, said outerhousing; said inner housing having a bottomopening which communicates with the bottom opening in said outerhousing; cooperative and ali'g'ned flange members extendingright-angularly from the upper ends of said inner and outer housings;fastening means extending be? tween said cooperative and aligned flangemembers for forcing said inner housing firmly downwardly into said outerhousing; means for forming a water seal betwe n said inner and outehousingsyaf substantially vertically extending tube secured to thebottom of said inner housing and communicating'with the bottom openingtherein; a tubular steering column rotatably disposed in saidfirst-named tube and extending downwardly through, and projecting from,the bottom openings in both of said housings; a drive shaft rotatablydisposed insaid tubular steering column; a propeller shaft housingcarried by, and extending angularly from, the'lower'end of said a 9 endof said drive shaft; the bottom opening in said outer housing being ofsufiicient size and shape to permit the vertical passage therethrough ofsaid tubular steering column; said propeller shaft housing, and saidpropeller; a prime mover operatively connected to said drive shaft; andcontrol means for said tubular steering column.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS HavckApr. 17, 1906 Wilson Sept. 2, 1930 Ronning Sept. 3, 1940

